Family Unification Program (FUP)

Families and young adults engaged in the child welfare system, or Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), are eligible for a voucher or rental subsidy in areas with participating Public Housing Authorities. Having a voucher means that the household will pay 30% of their income and the voucher will pay for the remainder of the rent. 

These counties include:

• Cook County - Chicago Housing Authority and Housing Authority of Cook County

• Champaign County

• DuPage County 

• Kankakee County (only for families, not for youth aging out of care)

• Lake County - Housing Authority of Lake County, North Chicago Housing Authority, and Waukegan Housing Authority

• Madison County

• Peoria County

• Rock Island County

• Sangamon County

• St. Clair County (only for families, not for youth aging out of care)

• Vermilion County (only for families, not for youth aging out of care)

• Will County

• Williamson County

• Winnebago County - Rockford Housing Authority and Winnebago County Housing Authority

DCFS refers families when vouchers are available. Because of high demand, most housing authorities are not currently accepting referrals. Families living in other counties may be referred to a nearby housing authority. Families can contact DCFS Family Unification Project liasons for more information at:

DCFS.FYI.Liaison@illinois.gov

You can find more information about the Family Unification Program (FUP) on the National Center for Housing & Child Welfare website.

If your children were removed by DCFS and you are working on reunification to have them live with you again, you may qualify for a voucher to match the size home you will need for when your children return. They do not have to be living with you for you to qualify for this home, as you prepare for reunification. 

Additional Information

• HUD’s FUP Website

• The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare

Foster Youth Initiative (FYI)

The goal of this temporary rental subsidy is to ensure young people who were in care have housing while they work towards gaining an income to support themselves. This rental subsidy is for people who are:

• Ages 18 through 24 (not yet 25) who 

• Are leaving foster care within 90 days or were in foster care as a child and

• Experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness

Please click here to view the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) FYI brochure. 

These vouchers are administered through Public Housing Authorities, and young people will need a referral from DCFS to the Public Housing Authority for a voucher. This is a temporary subsidy for up to 36 months, though tenants can apply for an extension for up to an additional 24 months if they meet certain requirements. 

The following housing authorities offer the Foster Youth Initiative voucher program:

• Housing Authority of Champaign County

• Chicago Housing Authority

• Housing Authority of Cook County

• DuPage Housing Authority

• Housing Authority of Joliet

• Housing Authority of the City of Mt. Vernon

• Oak Park Housing Authority

• Peoria Housing Authority

• Winnebago County Housing Authority

DCFS refers youth when vouchers are available.  Because of high demand, most housing authorities are not currently accepting referrals.  Youth can contact DCFS Foster Youth Initiative Liaison for more information

Additional Information

• HUD’s FYI Website

• HUD’s FYI Frequently Asked Questions

• HUD’s FYI Email Address: FYI@hud.gov